1) Debate whether the military's handling of the situation was appropriate.
2) Evaluate how the situation could have been peacefully resolved.
Answer: Part I
According to the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, the situation should have been handled by the local appointed Indian agent. The military shouldn't have been involved in the first place. Grattan was also inexperienced and brought an unreliable interpreter, Lucienne Auguste. He could barely speak any Lakota and taunted the warriors of the village upon their enterance. Grattan and Auguste were also drinking before the encounter. Grattan acted unreasonable while negotiating with Conquering Bear and refused to talk. The soldier who fired the shot that killed Conquering Bear wasn't even ordered to fire. He caused Grattan and his entire command to be killed.
Answer: Part II
Both conflicts could have been avoided if the military allowed John Whitfield, the local Indian agent, handle the situation. However, he hadn't arrived at the fort yet and was due a couple days later. Grattan could have brought a more trustworthy interpreter and shouldn't have drank before meeting with Conquering Bear. The Mormon also could have accepted Conquering Bear's offers of compensation. During negotiation, Grattan should have been more patient and willing to talk. This was certainly not the case during Grattan's meeting with Conquering Bear, and it led to the death of him and his command. The massacre sparked national outrage and caused the Battle of Ash Hollow.
Reavis, L U. Battle of Ash Hollow. 1878. JPEG file.
The Grattan Massacre and The Battle of Ash Hollow
1) Debate whether the military's handling of the situation was appropriate.
2) Evaluate how the situation could have been peacefully resolved.
Answer: Part I
According to the 1851 Treaty of Fort Laramie, the situation should have been handled by the local appointed Indian agent. The military shouldn't have been involved in the first place. Grattan was also inexperienced and brought an unreliable interpreter, Lucienne Auguste. He could barely speak any Lakota and taunted the warriors of the village upon their enterance. Grattan and Auguste were also drinking before the encounter. Grattan acted unreasonable while negotiating with Conquering Bear and refused to talk. The soldier who fired the shot that killed Conquering Bear wasn't even ordered to fire. He caused Grattan and his entire command to be killed.Answer: Part II
Both conflicts could have been avoided if the military allowed John Whitfield, the local Indian agent, handle the situation. However, he hadn't arrived at the fort yet and was due a couple days later. Grattan could have brought a more trustworthy interpreter and shouldn't have drank before meeting with Conquering Bear. The Mormon also could have accepted Conquering Bear's offers of compensation. During negotiation, Grattan should have been more patient and willing to talk. This was certainly not the case during Grattan's meeting with Conquering Bear, and it led to the death of him and his command. The massacre sparked national outrage and caused the Battle of Ash Hollow.Reavis, L U. Battle of Ash Hollow. 1878. JPEG file.
http://www.sangres.com/wyoming/history/grattan-massacre.htm